HEBER SPRINGS (AP) — A Searcy man has drowned in a lake in north central Arkansas.

The Heber Springs police chief told The Daily Citizen that Christopher Ryan Stanford, 32, died Wednesday. He was swimming near Sandy Beach at Greers Ferry Lake in Heber Springs.

Authorities say Stanford swam about 100 yards past the designated swimming area. They say he drowned when he tried to return to shore. Witnesses tell police another person who tried to swim out to save Stanford nearly drowned as well.